Craigslist.org has long posted a warning on its site that reads, "Deal locally with folks you can meet in person. Follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts." Well, now there's a new warning I have to give you about doing business face-to-face with people.

I've read with reports about criminals posting iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S devices for sale. The criminal knows the iPhone buyers will have cash and so they arrange to meet the buyers in a bad part of town in an area that's not well lit. Then when the criminal pulls a gun on the unwitting buyer and takes their money.

There's a simple rule here: Whether you're a seller or a buyer, always meet in a brightly lit public place in a neighborhood that you know is safe. In front of a police precinct is ideal.

Be careful out there, use good judgment, and you will hopefully avoid the problems that can occur.